Microstructure and Hardness of Buffalo's Hoofs

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Anatomy
• Biomaterials Science
• Mammalian Morphology

Background:

• Understanding buffalo hoof microstructure is crucial for animal welfare and biomechanics.
• Previous research has not fully detailed the morphometric and nanohardness properties of buffalo hoof structures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize the microstructure of buffalo hoof capsules.
• To analyze morphometric features of horn tubules and Vickers nanohardness across different hoof regions (dorsal wall, abaxial wall, sole) in thoracic and pelvic limbs.
• To evaluate the utility of microtomography in studying buffalo hoof anatomy.

Main Methods:

• Three-dimensional microtomography for density analysis.
• Vickers nanohardness testing for mechanical properties.
• Morphometric analysis of horn tubule diameter.

Main Results:

• The abaxial wall exhibited larger horn tubules than the dorsal wall and sole.
• The abaxial wall of thoracic digits had larger horn tubules compared to pelvic digits.
• Microtomography revealed higher density in the dorsal wall, intermediate in the abaxial wall, and lowest in the sole.
• Vickers nanohardness showed no significant difference in hardness, but the elastic modulus was higher in the transversal section.

Conclusions:

• Modern imaging technologies, including microtomography, are valuable tools for detailed investigation of buffalo hoof morphology.
• The study provides foundational data on buffalo hoof structure, relevant for biomechanical and clinical applications.